Spend an Old Fashioned Christmas in Denver’s Oldest Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of The Oxford

Imagine ringing in the holidays while sitting in front of a roaring fireplace with a glass of fine bourbon, in the heart of downtown Denver. Be part of this scene at the oldest hotel in Denver, Colorado, The Oxford.

Founded in 1891, the hotel was built specifically to accommodate high-end passengers arriving by train. Across Wynkoop Street from Union Station, the hotel’s location was perfect to welcome such famous names as Theodore Roosevelt, the Dalai Lama, and Lauren Bacall, among many others. 

Photo: Courtesy of The Oxford

The hotel has seen changes in 135 years, as has downtown Denver. Starting in the Gilded Age and going through modern day, the hotel has always played a role in the city’s narrative, and by staying here, guests become part of that story. 

A stay at The Oxford makes it easy to access all that Union Station offers during the holiday season in downtown Denver, including the Miracle Bar opening on November 26. Along with delicious cocktails, they host free Santa at the Station visits. The Grand Illumination of Union Station takes place November 28, and will be a proper celebration of all things holiday, complete with the lighting of a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree.  

Photo: Courtesy of The Oxford

Other downtown holiday events include the Parade of Lights, the Christkindl Market, November, a drone show, the Nutcracker Ballet and more. All this festive holiday cheer is bound to leave you needing a nearby spot to lay your head. The Oxford is ideal and comes with more amenities than almost any other hotel I’ve stayed at, including a complimentary Bourbon Bar in the lobby each evening. Do I wish every hotel had a bourbon happy hour? Of course, I do.  

Guests also receive $10 off at the Cruise Room or Urban Farmer every day during their stay at The Oxford. The Cruise Room, added to The Oxford’s offerings in the 1930s, is a true representation of an Art Deco cocktail lounge, complete with a vintage jukebox. It’s worth popping in for one of their fancy libations in order to experience and admire this living piece of Denver’s colorful past.

Bourbon at The Oxford. | Photo: Courtesy Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Much newer, the Urban Farmer took over the restaurant space at The Oxford in 2017. As the name suggests, Urban Farmer bridges the gap between people and their food and the farmers who grow and raise it. Much of the meat served at this high-end steakhouse is sourced in the Rocky Mountain region. The restaurant has an elegant yet comfortable ambiance. A connection to one’s food provides an opportunity to savor every bite of items such as beef tallow fries, charred Spanish octopus or aged Colorado-raised, grass-fed bison. 

On the evening we dined at Urban Farmer, our waiter, Noah, took us on a marvelous and tasty journey through the menu, allowing us to enjoy each course without feeling rushed. This is something I sincerely appreciate and note when it happens.

Photo: Courtesy of The Oxford

The Oxford offers a beautiful, complimentary continental breakfast in its luxurious lobby that will prepare you for a day of exploring downtown Denver. My favorite thing about The Oxford is the hospitality. Of all the wonderful hotels we’ve stayed over the years, the hospitality of this staff, especially the valets, stood out. Even our dog, Fritzi, looked forward to passing by the front door, as one valet always had dog biscuits in his pocket. 

Yes, The Oxford, despite its historic and regal elegance, is dog-friendly, and with so many of us traveling with pets these days, it’s welcome. We know Fritzi loved her stay, and you will too. Right now, in celebration of their 135th anniversary, The Oxford is offering rooms at a special rate of $189.10. Other packages exist, like Colorado Locals’ Escape among others.

Heidi And Fritzi The Oxford. | Photo: Courtesy Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer